Overview
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday toppled buildings across Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Chocó and triggered hundreds of aftershocks that have hampered response.
- Authorities report roughly 294 dead, nearly 4,000 injured and about 320 people unaccounted for as most sites move from searching for survivors to recovering bodies and clearing debris.
- Health officials warn of a mounting sanitary crisis because many bodies remain under rubble, water and sewage systems are damaged, morgues and funeral homes are overwhelmed and hot weather raises contamination risks.
- Tens of thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, more than 100,000 people have been affected and shelters are stretched while international rescue teams and aid shipments arrive to fill gaps.
- President Abelardo de la Espriella has toured hard-hit areas and proposed public‑private reconstruction plans as experts say rebuilding will cost billions and face technical, access and long-term financing challenges.